Shelly Lynn Stuckenschneider Herzing, 60, Westphalia, passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born June 29, 1965, to the late Edmund and Marie (Kloeppel) Stuckenschneider in Jefferson City.
She was a graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School, Fatima High School 1983, University of Central Missouri 1987, and later earned an MBA from Lincoln University in 1994. She was a member and officer of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority while attending UCM in Warrensburg and continued to be active with their alumni group.
Shelly was united in marriage to Keith Herzing June 26,1998.
She began her career at American Family Insurance where she worked as a claims adjuster for 20 years. When the Jefferson City office closed she then went to work for the state of Missouri at the Division of Commerce and Insurance and later earned a promotion of examiner in charge which she held until her illness in January of 2025.
Shelly was an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Westphalia, and also worked as an officer of the Westphalia Historical Society where she planned many of their fundraisers and events for the community.
She was known for her hard work, love and compassion for everyone she met. The extraordinary number of friends she stayed connected to, throughout her life, is evidence of her loving character.
Shelly was the glue that kept friendships going, always keeping in contact and planning outings and the life of every gathering. She loved music and was a huge fan of Jon Bon Jovi and Sammy Hagar, was a fantastic dancer and often got friends together to go out and dance to her favorite area bands. Shelly also enjoyed donning vintage clothing and had a flair for fashion.
Her special gift was friendship. It’s how she shared her life and her faith, maintaining lifelong, close relationships that brought often unlikely people together. With a heart full of patience, forgiveness and sheer joy for life, Shelly shared her faith and brought many closer to God. Perhaps her greatest gift was being the mother of her two sons.
She just loved people. Whether it was volunteering her time, planning events at her church and the Westphalia historical society, or for her many friend circles, her energy was contagious, and no one could say no when her plans were in motion.
Some of her favorite pastimes included scrapbooking, reading, walking with friends and pickleball.
Shelly loved without reservation, worked tirelessly for family and the causes close to her heart, and always, always danced like no one was watching.
She was proceeded in death by parents, Eddie and Marie Stuckenschneider; and mother-in-law, Sue Herzing.
Shelly is survived by husband Keith of the home; sons, Jordan Herzing and fiancée Madi Davis of Lee’s Summit and Trey Herzing of Belleville Ill.; brothers, Don Stuckenschneider and wife Linda of Jefferson City, Bruce Stuckenschneider and wife Kathy and Dale Stuckenschneider and wife Pat, all of Westphalia and Curt Stuckenschneider and wife Donna of Taos; father-in-law, Louis Herzing, Jr. of Freeburg; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; cousins; and extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Westphalia Historical Society or the St. Joseph Memorial Garden Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com
